1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (93 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 378 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | Alfasud | 500 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 1950 mm |
